The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Massachusetts in 2023

How do some drivers in Massachusetts pay less than $50 per month for car insurance? What’s “no-fault” insurance? Why is the “comparative negligence” rule important? Read on to learn more.

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Massachusetts drivers pay an average of $126 per month for car insurance. State Farm, Plymouth Rock, and Preferred Mutual typically offer cheap rates no matter your location, driving record, or age. But State Farm offers the cheapest rate overall, at just $42 per month.

Interestingly, auto insurance premiums are rising at a much slower rate in Massachusetts than in most other states — just 0.5% for the average insurer, according to research from the Boston Globe.

Below, we cover everything you need to know to get cheap car insurance in Massachusetts so you can get your best rate possible.


Key Takeaways:

  • Massachusetts car insurance is slightly less expensive than the national average.
  • Drivers older than 65 and those with clean records get the cheapest rates overall.
  • Massachusetts’ minimum-coverage requirements include liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Massachusetts’ Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Even though the average rate for car insurance is $126 per month in Massachusetts, you can still find ways to save more money. You can start by getting a quote from the cheapest companies in the state, found in the table below.

Company Monthly Premium
State Farm $42
Plymouth Rock Assurance $71
GEICO $73
Safety Insurance $73
Preferred Mutual $76

State Farm is the cheapest — a theme in this article — at $42 per month. It’s the nation’s largest insurer, specializing in straightforward policies with minimal additional coverage options.

Of course, State Farm may not be the cheapest for you, since many factors will influence your actual premium. You may find better rates from the other companies on this list or even one that didn’t make it.

Let’s look at how average rates in Massachusetts compare to rates in nearby states.

How we chose the cheapest companies in Massachusetts
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in Massachusetts. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for Massachusetts drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All of the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in Massachusetts. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.

The Average Cost of Massachusetts Car Insurance

Massachusetts welcome sign

Here are the average monthly premiums for car insurance in Massachusetts and its surrounding states.

State Average Rates State Rank
Massachusetts $126 30th-cheapest
Connecticut $160 40th
New Hampshire $78 5th
New York $306 50th
Rhode Island $155 38th
Vermont $65 1st
Rest of U.S. $129

Rates in Massachusetts are $126 per month, on average, which is just below the national average of $129. Compared to nearby states, Massachusetts rates are in the middle — more expensive than the less-populous Vermont and New Hampshire but cheaper than Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.

But location is just one factor that determines your car insurance costs. Let’s take a close look at how different elements alter rates.


Compare Quotes from Massachusetts’ Best Insurance Companies


Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: State Farm

State-minimum auto insurance represents the minimum legal coverage required in the state, offering the most budget-friendly option available.

Let’s take a look at the cheapest insurers providing state-minimum liability insurance in Massachusetts.

Company Monthly Premium
State Farm $31
Plymouth Rock Assurance $47
Preferred Mutual $49
Safety Insurance $49
Ace American Insurance Company $55

Unsurprisingly, State Farm is also the cheapest option for state-minimum policies, quoting $31 per month, on average, in Massachusetts. Plymouth Rock, Preferred Mutual, and Safety Insurance all offer rates under $50 per month. Ace American — which now owns Chubb — also offers affordable rates, though not on full-coverage policies.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: State Farm

Full-coverage auto insurance consists of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Additional protections like these safeguard your vehicle if you experience an at-fault accident or non-collision incident such as a hailstorm. Consequently, full-coverage policies cost more than basic liability insurance.

However, several companies in Massachusetts offer inexpensive options. Below are the top five most affordable insurers for full coverage in the state.

Company Monthly Premium
State Farm $54
GEICO $89
Plymouth Rock Assurance $94
Safety Insurance $97
Preferred Mutual $103

State Farm is likely your best option for cheap full-coverage car insurance, at $54 per month. GEICO, Plymouth Rock, Safety Insurance, and Preferred Mutual have average monthly rates around $100 or less, which is still significantly lower than the national average.

Plymouth Rock also offers enhanced coverage through its Assurance Plus Loyalty Rewards program. You can qualify for the program after four consecutive policy terms with the insurer or through a qualifying motor club membership.

Compare Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Woman sitting on her car at the beach

Age significantly affects your premiums — especially for young drivers, who face higher rates due to inexperience and increased accident risks. As you age, premiums generally decrease and stabilize in your mid-to-late 30s. Favorable rates persist into your 60s, depending on other factors that affect premium costs.

By your mid-70s, rates may slowly rise due to slower reaction times among senior drivers, which increase accident risks and affect your auto insurance costs.

Let’s take a closer look at how age changes the average cost of Massachusetts car insurance.

Cheapest car insurance for Massachusetts teens: State Farm

Car insurance is more expensive for teenagers and young drivers. Rates decrease rapidly between ages 16 and 20, and a little more slowly in your early 20s. By age 25, rates are only slightly higher compared to older drivers.

Below are the cheapest car insurance companies in Massachusetts for 18-year-olds, ranked by liability rates.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $98 $155
Plymouth Rock Assurance $126 $244
GEICO $143 $225
Amica $184 $503
Preferred Mutual $186 $345

In Massachusetts, 18-year-olds can find an excellent deal on car insurance at State Farm. The company’s average monthly premiums are $98 and $155 for liability and full-coverage policies, respectively. Plymouth Rock, GEICO, Amica, and Preferred Mutual offer affordable rates as well.

Plus, teens and young drivers can earn discounts with the cheapest insurers to save even more. Most offer these three discounts:

Cheapest car insurance for Massachusetts seniors: State Farm

You’ll likely get your lowest car insurance rates around the time you reach retirement age —especially if you drive fewer miles than average. Seniors can also get driver training discounts and can save big with telematics programs that track and score your driving habits.

Here are the cheapest companies for 65-year-old drivers in Massachusetts.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $24 $40
Preferred Mutual $37 $77
GEICO $39 $60
Safety Insurance $42 $82
Plymouth Rock Assurance $45 $84

You’ll likely find your cheapest rate at State Farm. But Preferred Mutual, GEICO, Safety Insurance, and Plymouth Rock also offer competitive prices. Preferred Mutual also offers the Class 15 discount to drivers age 65 and older.

Though the remaining insurers don’t offer senior-specific discounts, they all offer several that senior drivers can access.

Compare Massachusetts Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Woman checking car insurance rates on cell phone

Your driving history greatly influences your auto insurance premiums and is largely within your control. Clean records yield the lowest rates, assuming other factors remain constant. Minor infractions lead to modest rate hikes, but you’ll likely pay much higher premiums if you receive several in a short period.

At-fault accidents and severe violations like DUIs, reckless driving, and illegal racing typically result in more substantial increases. Let’s explore how rates fluctuate based on your driving record in Massachusetts.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Massachusetts: State Farm

The definition of a “good driver” varies from one company to the next, but it typically refers to an experienced driver with no traffic violations or at-fault accidents in the past three to five years. Insurers view these drivers as low-risk, and drivers with a perfect record see the lowest rates because of it.

The table below lists the Massachusetts auto insurers with the most affordable coverage for drivers with clean records sorted by liability costs.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $31 $54
Plymouth Rock Assurance $47 $94
Preferred Mutual $49 $103
Safety Insurance $49 $97
Ace American Insurance Company $55 $138

The cheapest auto insurer for good drivers in Massachusetts is State Farm, at $31 per month for liability and $54 for full coverage. Plymouth Rock, Preferred Mutual, and Safety Insurance offer liability rates under $50 per month and full-coverage rates around $100 or less. State Farm, Plymouth Rock, and Safety Insurance also offer a safe driver discount — though not all of them advertise the extent of the savings.

Cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts after a ticket: State Farm

Though it may not seem like a big deal, a single speeding ticket causes a 30% surge in car insurance premiums for both liability-only and full-coverage policies, according to Compare.com data. The severity of your ticket also affects your rate, with higher speeds typically causing higher increases.

Below are the five cheapest car insurers in Massachusetts for drivers with a ticket.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $37 $62
Preferred Mutual $58 $121
GEICO $63 $100
Plymouth Rock Assurance $71 $140
Ace American Insurance Company $79 $192

State Farm bests the competition significantly for liability and full-coverage policies after a ticket, with monthly rates of $37 and $62, respectively. The remaining companies — Preferred Mutual, GEICO, Plymouth Rock, and Ace American — also offer reasonable rates but not as cheap as State Farm.

Of course, discounts can also make a big difference to your bottom line. All of these insurers offer discounts to drivers with a speeding ticket, including:

State Farm, GEICO, and Plymouth Rock also offer telematics discounts that can save you even more (as long as you drive safely).

Cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts after an accident: State Farm

The average at-fault accident results in a rate increase ranging from 40% to 45%, according to Compare.com data. Massachusetts uses something called the “comparative negligence rule,” which assigns blame to the driver found more than 50% at fault. Luckily, insurers can’t raise your rates if you’re not found more than 50% at fault for an accident.

Generally, an accident can increase your premiums for up to six years — though you should see your rates decrease for each year of good driving. Let’s look at the most affordable car insurance companies for Massachusetts drivers with a single at-fault accident.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $50 $85
Plymouth Rock Assurance $77 $146
Preferred Mutual $84 $170
GEICO $85 $135
Arbella Insurance $100 $193

Once again, State Farm, Plymouth Rock, and Preferred Mutual offer the cheapest liability coverage. State Farm’s average rates are $50 per month for liability and $85 for full coverage. GEICO  also has affordable full-coverage policies after an accident.

All the companies above also offer additional discounts drivers can use after an accident. The best discounts usually include:

The extent of the discount and your savings depends on the insurer.

Cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts after a DUI: State Farm

A DUI conviction in Massachusetts can cause a lot of headaches, including much higher car insurance rates at double the average. Drivers with a DUI can receive the following penalties:

  • Fine between $500 and $5,000
  • Assessment of $250
  • License suspension for 60 days
  • Imprisonment of up to two years

The penalties become more severe on subsequent offenses, where fines can reach a maximum of $50,000.

Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for Massachusetts drivers with a DUI conviction.

Company Liability Only Full Coverage
State Farm $60 $104
Plymouth Rock Assurance $80 $152
Progressive $96 $207
GEICO $98 $156
Preferred Mutual $102 $203

The good news is that the cheapest companies are also well-regarded for service and technology. State Farm is a great option — and the cheapest on the list —, at $60 and $104 per month for liability and full-coverage policies, respectively.

Plymouth Rock — the second-cheapest option — is well known for its excellent customer service. Every insurer on this list also offers valuable discounts that you can get, even with a DUI on your record.

And, if you’re having trouble finding coverage, you can purchase a policy through the Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP).

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Massachusetts

City view of Worcester, MA road

You can use several strategies to get more affordable car insurance. Here are the most effective ways to lower your costs in Massachusetts:

  1. Improve your driving: Keep a clean record and review telematics options for an additional discount.
  2. Bundle your insurance policies: Buying multiple insurance products from the same company typically comes with a large discount.
  3. Increase deductibles: Raising your deductible can lower your premium, but be sure you can afford the out-of-pocket expenses if you make a claim.
  4. Avoid filing small claims: Pay for minor damages out of pocket to avoid rate increases from filing claims.
  5. Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.

Using these strategies (and combining them with other ways to save money on car insurance) can help you lower your premium now and keep it low in the future.

Here are a few more money-saving tips from insurance agent and broker Nick Schrader.

“The best way to save money is to increase the policy deductibles for collision and comprehensive, remove optional coverages like auto rental reimbursement, decrease annual mileage if the vehicle is not driven often, or apply discounts such as educational and professional groups,” he advises.


Compare Massachusetts’ Best Rates in MInutes


Massachusetts Auto Insurance Requirements

You’ll need to have the following coverage options to legally drive in Massachusetts:

Auto insurers will also file an electronic insurance verification (EIV) stamp that serves as proof of insurance with the state.

Finally, remember that these are minimum requirements. You may need additional coverage, higher coverage limits, or both to ensure you’re financially protected on the road.

“No-fault” auto insurance in Massachusetts

No-fault auto insurance, used in Massachusetts, means that each person’s insurance covers their own medical expenses and related costs, regardless of who’s at fault in an accident. This is typically handled through a specialty coverage called personal injury protection (PIP). The no-fault system aims to streamline claims and reduce the need for legal proceedings.

If you get into a car accident and need medical care, your car insurance will pay for it even if the other party is at fault. Just be sure to inform your medical team that no-fault insurance will cover your care, because not all medical professionals accept no-fault cases.

Personal injury protection coverage in MA

In Massachusetts, PIP provides medical coverage for drivers injured in a car accident, regardless of fault. It covers medical bills, up to 75% in lost wages, and other related costs up to the policy limit of $8,000.

Personal injury protection ensures quick compensation and reduces the likelihood of a lawsuit by allowing everyone to receive benefits from their own insurance.

However, anyone injured in the accident can pursue legal action against the at-fault driver if one of the following thresholds is met:

  • The injury results in more than $2,000 in medical care.
  • The injury results in permanent disfigurement, significant hearing or vision impairment, or bone fracture.

SR-22 auto insurance in Massachusetts

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required in Massachusetts for high-risk drivers. You need one if you have one or more serious traffic violations on your record, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. The SR-22 provides proof to the state that you have continuous insurance.

Your insurer will file your SR-22 with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. And since an SR-22 indicates higher risk, you’ll likely see higher car insurance rates if you need one.

But all is not lost. Some ways to save on SR-22 insurance include:

  • Maintaining continuous insurance
  • Comparing rates every six months
  • Eliminating unnecessary coverage
  • Downsizing your vehicle

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Massachusetts

Driving without insurance in Massachusetts comes with fairly stiff penalties, including:

  • Fines: $500 to $5,000
  • Imprisonment: Up to one year
  • License suspension: Up to 60 days

If you’re caught driving without insurance again within six years, you’ll face fines, imprisonment, and a mandatory one-year license suspension.

Additionally, you’ll see an increase in your car insurance rates because you’ll have a driving infraction on your record and non-continuous coverage, indicating higher risk to insurers.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance FAQs

If you still have questions about car insurance in Massachusetts, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions by drivers like you.

What is the cheapest auto insurance company in Massachusetts?

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance policies on average in Massachusetts, according to our research. The average monthly premium from the nation’s largest auto insurer is just $42 per month — far below the national average.

How much is car insurance in Massachusetts?

The average cost for an auto policy in Massachusetts is $126 per month, or $1,512 annually. That makes Massachusetts the 30th-cheapest state for car insurance — or the 20th-most expensive.

How much car insurance is required in Massachusetts?

You need to carry bodily injury protection ($20,000 per person and $40,000 per incident), personal injury protection ($8,000 per person, per accident), uninsured motorist bodily injury protection ($20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident), and property damage coverage ($5,000 per accident).

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Massachusetts?

You can receive a fine between $500 and $5,000, a 60-day license suspension, and jail time up to 24 months. A repeat offense within a six-year period comes with harsher penalties, including a one-year license suspension.


Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information. All of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.


Sources:

  1. The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Section 34J,” Accessed August 8, 2023.
  2. The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Section 34M: Personal injury protection,” Accessed August 8, 2023.
  3. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Surchargeable incidents,” Accessed August 8, 2023.
  4. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Understanding Auto Insurance,” Accessed August 8, 2023.
  5. Boston Globe, “Most Mass. auto insurers raise rates,” Accessed August 14, 2023.

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